mid-60s 40 HP Evinrude

[Scaaty]

I have a lead on a mid-60s 40 HP Evinrude that turns over with the starter, but thats all I know at the moment. Any issues I should know before checking it out? Grab it, or run like the wind away. Thanks in advance, and wish I could provide more info, but I don't want to tip my hand to the owner by asking too many questions just yet. I will go look at it Tuesday. Thanks, Robby

 

[jimmbo]

Re: mid-60s 40 HP Evinrude

compression check, use a small light to look in cylinders via spark plug holes. check gearcase oil for water/milky oil and shiny particals. Put in a barrel, fill barrel with water and run it.

 

[Scaaty]

Re: mid-60s 40 HP Evinrude

Jimmbo, I've wrenched for 45 years, what I was asking is there any YEAR issues that might make this motor a boat anchor, with unobtainium pistons/rods, bearings, etc. I took an old 1957 18hp Johnny I neighbor was throwing out, and found out they are still quite usable. Problem was the thing was too froze up from neglect. Did pull in over $400 in parts on ebay though! I guess my question was more directed at the older wizards here, that know these motors like the back of their hand. Thanks for the reply though. Robby

 

[lark2004]

Re: mid-60s 40 HP Evinrude

nothing really bad about the bigtwins.<br /><br />Be aware that the ignition coils might be no good, they are cheap and easy to replace though.<br />And sometimes the props have a spun hub, again, nothing major there.<br /><br />Check to see if it's selectric shift or manual, the selectrics can give you some trouble if the shift wiring has started to fall apart, The manual shift however can have a worn clutch dog, It all depends on how well maintained the motor is.<br /><br />Bottom line, there isn't really anything year specific to be worried about.

 

[Scaaty]

Re: mid-60s 40 HP Evinrude

(Cheesy poofs..HA!!) Well, I went over there today, and all complete, but he was looking for something smaller and newer, and just wanted it out of the way. Its a Lark V, and I haven't had a chance to look it over. Its an electric shift, and thats what I had some concern about. Not showroom, but great compression, good hood, and rest look OK. Hey, $20.......either I make it a runner, or I will put good parts out on ebay to keep the runners running. Thanks for the info guys!

 

[jimmbo]

Re: mid-60s 40 HP Evinrude

Sorry bout that. Anyway, My dad had a 1963 40hp johnson with electric shift and it was a fairly reliable motor. The electic shift never gave us any trouble. It was on a boat that was made near Puget Sound

 

[lark2004]

Re: mid-60s 40 HP Evinrude

$20!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<br /><br />Man what I would give to have those sort of options open to me here Australia. If it run's over here, a 40hp engine goes for anywhere from $500 to $1500. Age doesn't really matter.<br /><br />Well done on that purchase. You probably know how to seach on these forums, so do that useing Bigtwin as the key word, you'll get all the info you need to get her up to 100%.

 

[Scaaty]

Re: mid-60s 40 HP Evinrude

Jimmbo, my fault for not being more elaborate. And I'm usually down in the Volvo/Merc forums, and heard of problems with old electric shifts, OMC's maybe?-can't remember-but that is not the same as old Rudes I guess. So looks like I need to bone up on some bigtwin reading. Amazing and fun reading up on the old stuff. Thanks guys!

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: mid-60s 40 HP Evinrude

If it's a Lark V, it ought to be a '63 40hp with electric shift. Except for the cover & paint, identical to Jimbo's father's.<br />The only problem with the electric shift is when it's not working. They get that way from bad wires like lark2004 says, water in the gearcase, or wrong gearcase fluid (OMC/BRP "Premium Blend" only). As I understand it, it's the same as the really old OMC sterndrive setup except you're not running nearly the HP through it.

 

[lark2004]

Re: mid-60s 40 HP Evinrude

Oh yeah, They sometimes break a clutch spring, but thats more to do with shifting into gear with to many revs I think

 

[jimmbo]

Re: mid-60s 40 HP Evinrude

The 40hp never gave us gearcase trouble. The 65 evinrude 90hp was a different story, that beast was forever slipping in and out of gear at full throttle. The sound of it in process was more than a bit unnerving. After the 2rd year of the grind/clunk/growl we got rid of it.

 

[Scaaty]

Re: mid-60s 40 HP Evinrude

I'll get to it tomorrow to get a Ser# and take a pic, drain a little leg oil, who knows? Took a fast look, and I think the wires/corrosion could be a factor in it coming off a transom. I'll update later. Time for cheesy poofs (South Park fanatic, and back to back shows everynight at 11-12!)

 

[angus63]

Re: mid-60s 40 HP Evinrude

Robby<br />If it's a 1963 or earlier, requires a 24:1 mix. 1964 and later use a 50:1 mix. Some say to use a 40:1 for post 1963 smaller HP motors. Just a heads up!!<br />Good Luck

 

[lark2004]

Re: mid-60s 40 HP Evinrude

Can you post us a model number? that way we can really get down to the nitty gritty on it.

 

[dafox99]

Re: mid-60s 40 HP Evinrude

My experience with the electric shift is if you get any water in it, or use the wrong lube, the "chinese handcuff" springs can slip and grab ... and then break. They do have a very nice smooth shift without the dog "clunk". I'm running a '65 40 hp elec now. No complaints.

 

[Scaaty]

Re: mid-60s 40 HP Evinrude

Originally posted by lark2004:<br /> Can you post us a model number? that way we can really get down to the nitty gritty on it.

I will post a pic, and numbers by tomorrow night..

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: mid-60s 40 HP Evinrude

If you're stripping it from a boat, make sure you get (at least) the little wiring box usually attached to the transom. In there are the various fuses, solenoid, etc that is normally found under the cover nowadays.

 

[Scaaty]

Re: mid-60s 40 HP Evinrude

Originally posted by Paul Moir:<br /> If you're stripping it from a boat, make sure you get (at least) the little wiring box usually attached to the transom. In there are the various fuses, solenoid, etc that is normally found under the cover nowadays.

The motor was off one of the two hulls in had in the yard, and propped up against the garage wall. The problem here is that he said he could not find the solenoid after looking around, but he's local, so I will email him again, or stop by, and see if he found it. Sounds like something that can be made up though, right? Anyway, I will go out a take a pic now and get some numbers

 

[Scaaty]

Re: mid-60s 40 HP Evinrude

OK, Ser num 40362 D<br />Mod E 01811<br /> Make sense? Heres a pic. And 62-63 the 24-50-1 oil ratio change? Can't remember for sure<br /><br />

 

[lark2004]

Re: mid-60s 40 HP Evinrude

ok, 40362 D is the model number, E 01811 is the serial number.<br /><br />It is a 1963 model, so 24:1 is the ratio for the fuel/oil.<br /><br />If you can't get the little box off the transom, than yes you can make your own. Did you get the remote controls?